Critical Skills families
Dependants of Critical Skills Employment Permit holders
What you get
- An eligibility check, including whether you need this permit at all
- A review of your job offer and the main permit holder's documents
- Preparation and submission of the application on Employment Permits Online
About this service
Dependant / Partner / Spouse Employment Permit
This free permit lets eligible dependants of Critical Skills Employment Permit holders and researchers on a Hosting Agreement work in Ireland. Spouses and de facto partners of these permit holders no longer need it, because they've been given direct access to the labour market on Stamp 1G since 6 March 2019. The permit now mainly helps dependent children and other dependants who live with the main permit holder. The rules on family members' work rights have changed several times in recent years, and many people apply for this permit when they don't need it. We start by checking whether you already have the right to work.
€1229
Fixed fee
6
Areas we cover
5
Documents to prepare
5
Simple steps
Who it's for
Who this is for
Whether you're moving, hiring, staying or starting over, this is the place to begin.
Researchers' families
Dependants of researchers working under a Hosting Agreement
Former permit holders' families
Dependants of former Green Card, Critical Skills or Hosting Agreement holders who now have permission to work without a permit
At a glance
Eligibility
01
Recognised dependant
The Department of Justice has recognised you as a dependant of the main permit holder or researcher
02
Main permit holder
The main permit holder still works under their permit or Hosting Agreement
03
Living in Ireland
You have lived in Ireland continuously since arriving and live with the main permit holder
04
Not in full-time education
You're not in full-time education
05
Job offer
You have a job offer in any occupation except domestic operative, paying at least the National Minimum Wage
06
Not eligible
Family of Irish or EU nationals, applicants living outside Ireland, and family of holders of other permit types
Our promise
What's included
Dependant / Partner / Spouse Employment Permit
€1229
Before you start
Documents you'll need
Tick each item as you gather it. Bring whichever apply to you.
Your preparation checklist
0 of 5 ready
Tap items as you go
You're fully prepared. Let's get you booked in.
5-step journey
How it works
- 1Step 1
We confirm your eligibility and the right route.
- 2Step 2
You send the documents, and we prepare the application.
- 3Step 3
We submit it, ideally at least 12 weeks before your start date.
- 4Step 4
We track it and respond to any queries.
- Step 5
After approval, we guide you on registration.
Good to know
Our fee
€1,229 VAT included.
Government fee
None. This permit is free.
Processing time
DETE, October 2026: about 8 weeks for this type of new application.
Permit length
The permit can't last longer than the main holder's permit or permission. The first permit is for up to 2 years, and renewals are for up to 3 years.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
The Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit is a free employment permit for family members of Critical Skills Employment Permit holders and researchers working under a hosting agreement. Its role has changed over time. Since 6 March 2019, spouses and de facto partners of these permit holders have had direct access to the labour market on Stamp 1G, so they no longer need the permit. Since 15 May 2024, eligible spouses and partners of General Employment Permit and ICT holders have also been registered on Stamp 1G. Today the permit mainly helps other dependants, such as dependent children who live with the main permit holder in Ireland, aren't in full-time education and have a job offer. All jobs are eligible except domestic operative, pay must be at least the National Minimum Wage and there's no Labour Market Needs Test. The permit can't last longer than the main holder's own permit or permission.
No. Spouses and de facto partners of Critical Skills holders and researchers get Stamp 1G, which lets them work without a permit.
Since 15 May 2024, eligible spouses and partners of GEP and ICT holders are registered on Stamp 1G and can work without a permit.
No. This permit doesn't need an LMNT.
No. Applicants must already live in Ireland with the main permit holder.
The first permit lasts up to 2 years and can be renewed for up to 3 years, but never beyond the main permit holder's own permit or permission.
Ready when you are
Get started with Dependant / Partner / Spouse Employment Permit
€1229
€1229
Dependant / Partner / Spouse Employment Permit